Autistic Child By Suezie

Depending on if the child is high functioning (can speak and learn academically as well as any other child or has a form of autism called Asperger's) your approach to instruction may change. Likewise, the student aid should have some sort of training or experience and she/he may be your best resource.

Has the child been in any organized programs (early intervention) or attended a preschool/kindergarten?

Routine is one thing that autistic children thrive on. For example, don't rearrange the room without warning, always do "calender" the same way, pick one way to get the children's attention, slowly ease into a new routine.

What are the child's interests? What type of priveleges does the child like (line leader, computer time, ball collector)?

Is the child aware that he is autistic? How can you help him relate to the other children? Does he know some of the other children and who does he like to buddy up with?

I did read some great books when I had my first autistic student but they are listed in my special ed file at school and I won't be there until next week.

Hope this helps.